Open records law up for passage in Senate

A bill backed by Gov. Terry Branstad would form a board to oversee Iowa's open records and meetings laws, but the board would not oversee compliance by the governor's office.

A leader of the Iowa League of Cities says the governor's office staff is pushing the measure while also lobbying to avoid its review. A Branstad spokesman says the bill's requirement for individuals to respond to the board in person could disrupt the governor's office.

The governor has pledged his administration will operate with transparency. He and his office still must observe open-records laws.